counterclockwise

adverb

coun·​ter·​clock·​wise ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈkläk-ˌwīz 

: in a direction opposite to that in which the hands of a clock rotate as viewed from in front

counterclockwise adjective

Examples of counterclockwise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While the standard ballroom line of dance travels counterclockwise around the floor, the White House ballroom may, at times, switch to clockwise, instantly creating a room full of line-of-dance criminals, which is a deportable offense. —Dahlia Gallin Ramirez, New Yorker, 9 June 2026

Pressing down on the wrench, move it counterclockwise then clockwise. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 21 May 2026

First of all, one now programs the countdown function via the lower pusher on the side of the case, and the countdown minute- and seconds-hands now turn counterclockwise, which is a more intuitive configuration for tracking receding time. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026

Then, rotate them counterclockwise for six circles. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterclockwise

• anticlockwise

Kids Definition

counterclockwise

adverb

coun·​ter·​clock·​wise ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈkläk-ˌwīz 

: in a direction opposite to that in which the hands of a clock rotate

counterclockwise adjective